BRANSON, Mo. – The City of Branson launched a lodging safety initiative in September intending to crack down on extended stay motels that weren’t meeting basic health and safety standards.
So far, six establishments have been shut down.
The lodging safety initiative has a three-step enforcement process for hotels and motels deemed unsafe. The first step is a courtesy notice, then a formal notice, and then the facility is shut down.
Another eight establishments are in the process of being forced to close.
“Our whole focus is to make sure that our guests and or permanent residents have safe facilities to stay in,” said Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin.
The owners of the property and residents staying there are given a two-week notice before the hotel is closed down. The city uses local nonprofits to help people relocate, but not everyone is pleased.
“Something’s got to give here because a lot of your locals can’t stay,” said Anita Williams, who has moved twice in the past three months and now has to move again due to the lodging safety initiative.